Farbwerk USB – Aquabus Version

Description

The “farbwerk” is an innovative four channel RGB controller for LED strips. The name derives from the German words “Farbe” (color) and “Werk” (factory/plant/work). Twelve channels in total can be used for up to four RGB strips or as individual channels. Each channel has a resolution of 13 bits (8192 individual steps), resulting in smooth color transitions even at low brightness settings.
The farbwerk is an autonomous device with an embedded micro processor and can be operated without a PC. Four sensor inputs can be used with compatible temperature sensors (not included in delivery) to visualize temperatures as colors. For those creative users interested in elctronics, the sensor inputs can also be used to connect potentiometers or as 0 – 3.3 V inputs – and with a little creativity, the outputs can be used for other applications as well, for example for fans or if used outside the PC, even for devices requiring up to 24 Volts.

The following features are available to control the farbwerk’s outputs:
1. Direct color selection: Intuitive interface controls of the aquasuite allow a precise selection of the color and adjustments for the intensity and brightness.
2. Adjustable color transitions: The aquasuite can be used to set color transitions which are continuously displayed with an adjustable speed.
3. Effects: A brightness curve can be defined to add a pulsating effect.
4. Control by sensor inputs of the farbwerk: The sensor inputs of the farbwerk can be used to change the color of the assigned channel directly. For example a color transition between 20 °C and 35 °C can be set in the aquasuite and will be processed by the hardware of the farbwerk.
5. Software sensors (e. g. CPU load, network etc.): Like the aquaero, the farbwerk can be configured to use software sensors. The communication between the aquasuite and the tools HWiNFO, AIDA and Open Hardware Monitor allows to use many different system values to control the channels. For example, the CPU load can be used to automatically adjust the color within a specific range. Since these software sensors can also be accessed via Bluetooth, it would be possible to display them on a smartphone.

The farbwerk can be configured using the free of charge “aquasuite” software and an USB connection to the PC. The aquasuite supports an unlimited number of simultaneously connected farbwerk controllers. The configuration is saved in the farbwerk’s microprocessor, so USB can be disconnected after initial setup. In addition to the USB interface, an aquabus or Bluetooth interface is also available depending on the version of the farbwerk.

aquabus version (53170):
The aquabus version of the farbwerk can be connected to an aquaero 5 or aquaero 6 controller. The aquaero can then be configured to control the outputs of the farbwerk or to transmit sensor data from the aquaero to the farbwerk to be processed by the farbwerk. Up to two farbwerk controllers can be connected to an aquaero 5/6 simultaneously. As a matter of course, this version can also be used as an USB device without aquabus connection.

Bluetooth and aquabus version (revision 2, 53207):
The Bluetooth and aquabus version of ther farbwerk can have all outputs controlled via Bluetooth, additionally all sensor inputs are available via Bluetooth. This requires a Bluetooth device as well as an app. Aqua Computer currently supplies a basic Android demo app (compatible with Android 4.4 KitKat or higher) including source code that can be used to set the outputs of the farbwerk. Other mobile operating systems are not supported! All features of the aquabus version are available as well. As a matter of course, this version can also be used as an USB device without Bluetooth or aquabus connection.

Comaptible LED strips:
LED strips for 12 V, common anode. Suitable LED strips and connectors are available from Aqua Computer.
Maximum current per channel: 2,5 A
Maximum combined current (all channels): 8 A (resulting in a maximum total power of 96 Watts at 12 Volts)